Leiomyoma of the nipple

Three patients with leiomyoma of the nipple are described. The tumors all appeared to have arisen from the muscularis mamillae and aerolae. One lesion recurred 9 years after incomplete excision. Two of the tumors were clinically apparent painful nodules while the third was an asymptomatic, incidental microscopic finding in a mastectomy performed for carcinoma. As in these cases and others described in the literature, patients with leiomyoma of the nipple or areola often present with a painful, ill-defined mass. Complete excision is indicated to prevent recurrence.